Lighting is one of the key elements of architecture. A space is defined by its lighting. Architectural lighting is concerned with the design of lighting systems within the architectural and interior design field. Lighting is mainly categorized into natural light and artificial light. These lighting systems go hand in hand while illuminating a space. Sunlight is the most prevalent source of natural light, while electrical appliances are responsible for producing artificial light.
“To an architect, natural light is the most valuable tool at their disposal.” – Tadao Ando
Natural light coves the visible spectrum and is generally received during the hours of the day. It helps in creating a comfortable natural environment for humans. Natural light is transmitted into building structures through windows, glass facades, openings, etc. A good lighting strategy is to control the amount of natural light being transmitted in a space while balancing its artificial light systems as well. Sometimes, the penetration of natural light might be too much to cause visual discomfort or heat gain, to control this we can introduce shading devices or heat-reflective glazing into the design. Natural light can be seen as a skylight producing a dramatic focal point, likewise, perforated walls or lattices produce intricate and repetitive patterns.
“Good lighting can, and does, make or break the ambiance of a room.” – Kelly Wearstler
The quality, placement, and color temperature of the lighting influence the way a person perceives and experiences a space. Good lighting accentuates the architectural elements and creates a visually inviting and appealing look. Soft, warm lighting evokes comfort whereas bright, white lighting makes you feel a sense of focus and attention. Good lighting is about creating a sensory experience that resonates with practicality and emotion.
“Lighting design is not about the number of lights or the lumens they emit. It’s about the story they tell.” – Rogier van der Heide
Each space has a unique lighting layout which creates a different narrative within it. By setting the mood and enhancing the overall atmosphere, orchestrating the movement of people with the light, creative a sort of motion that acts as a story. The play of natural and artificial light, warm to cool color temperatures, shadows and textures, etc, come together to inculcate a story from within. Roger says that light needs darkness.
“In architecture, light is the divine expression of form. It reveals the essence of materiality, casting shadows that narrate the beauty of space.” – Louis Kahn
Light and material are mutually dependent on each other. Lighting draws out the contrast between different materials and material textures and brings out the essence of the color and finish of the particular material. Glossy finishes like marble act reflective and as a result we can see the light source. Matte surfaces like wood or natural stone reflect diffused light and colored surfaces reflect light in the same hues as they are. Light-painted walls produce a different effect from that of a dark-painted wall. The interior surfaces of the chapel at Notre Dame are white but the natural light transmitted inside is minimal which results in a light to dark gray visual perception.
“Light creates the ambiance and feel of a place, as well as the expression of a structure.” – Le Corbusier
Lighting serves as a tool to help distinguish between structural elements of a building or the functionality of that particular element on its own. Some ways of creating an enhanced effect on structures are providing uplighting to columns, wall washers, or grazers sometimes highlighting intricate carvings or a feature wall, linear lighting is used to dominate the look of beams, slabs, skirting, etc.
“Architecture is the interplay of light and shadow.” – I. M. Pei
The play of light and shadow in architecture gives us a perspective look at the depth of the design. It shows us the complexity and richness of the layers of the architecture. It creates a guide to a viewer’s perception and creates a visual hierarchy. As it is a combination of the play between natural and artificial light, it is certainly temporal and always unique. It creates changing patterns and gives a new perspective each time the light shifts which shows us a light’s transformative power.
“Lighting can make even the most humble of structures appear grand.” – Randy Burkett
A humble structure such as a small cottage or a storefront may not be architecturally aesthetic, but the play of light can change its viewer’s idea of it. By strategically illuminating some specific features, the structure can be visually striking. Dynamic facade lighting is an innovative architectural lighting idea that uses technology with LED programmed lights that are color-changing and color temperature-changing abilities. This technique also creates a sense of illusion motion and helps a very minimal and basic designed building stand out.
The future of architectural lighting lies in the hands of energy-efficient LED and OLED technologies that go with smart lighting systems. Layered lighting along with minimalism and nature-oriented lighting is advancing into providing sustainable innovative lighting solutions.
REFERENCES:
- D/A. Daylight & architecture. https://www.daylightandarchitecture.com/light-and-materials/?consent=none&ref-original=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
- eMascaró. Faro Barcelona – Iluminación, ventilación de diseño y bombillas. 30/04/2021.The importance of light in architecture: Uses and planning. https://faro.es/en/blog/es-la-importancia-de-la-luz-en-arquitectura-usos-y-planificacion-en-arquitectura/
- Natural light – Designing Buildings. Natural light. https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Natural_light#:~:text=In%20simple%20terms%2C%20natural%20light,electrical%20appliances%20such%20as%20lamps.
- mydesignangel.in. Quotes on architecture and Lighting Design. https://mydesignangel.in/pages/quotes-on-architecture-and-lighting-design
IMAGE REFERENCES:
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/yjeanmundelsalle/2019/06/25/believing-in-design-as-storytelling-kelly-wearstler-has-revolutionized-modern-american-design/?sh=329c634559e1
- http://www.yo-architecture.com/blog/louis-kahn-and-the-power-of-shadow
- https://www.stirworld.com/inspire-people-le-corbusier-and-a-legacy-that-goes-beyond-championing-modern-architecture
- https://www.bgmdcdj.com/uplighting
- https://www.paralight.cc/news_25/243.html
- https://www.kaarwan.com/blog/architecture/light-and-shadow-in-architectural-design?id=234
- https://worldarchitecture.org/article-links/efzcz/unstudio-revives-retail-store-in-eindhoven-with-lightfilled-glass-facade-elements.html
- https://lightingdesignmag.com/apple-stores/
